Took my wife and a friend this time. We camped at Pear Lake and then did Alta cross country from Pear Lake the next day. It only took two and a half to three hours at a relaxed pase and most of the climbing was very easy. Only one section was a bit of loose class 3. If you want to do the loop like we did, I definately recommend ascending from pear Lake rather than the Alta Pk trail because coming down the Alta Pk Trail is much more enjoyable than going up it like I did my first time up Alta. I wish we had brought axes because there was still plenty of snow up there to do some snow climbing which would have been even more fun!

Left the car at Wolverton and camped in a boulder field 2,000 feet below summit. Awesome sunset and freezing temps at night. The summit block was really cool and the views of seemingly endless Sierra peaks were amazing.

Solid snow around Panther Gap, and solid again after Muhrton Meadows. Left the trail and slogged up the west gully instead. Snow's good that way. Clouds obscured most of the views, but the few we caught looked amazing.

I climbed Alta Peak the week after I climbed Mt. Silliman. The trail is not too difficult until the last part where it is sandy. The views of the Great Western Divide and the wildflowers along the way are outstanding!

Climbed with DeeDee. We started just a few minutes past 7:00AM from Wolverton. Hiked a leisurely pace. Took a snack break at Panther Gap and then another break at the trail junction of Alta Peak & Alta Meadow trails. Then, we went up Tharp's Rock gully (this is a very broad gully due west of Tharp's Rock itself) and on to the summit. Had to put crampons for the last 30 feet to the summit as there was a hard icy layer beneath the 6" of snow. Summited at noon. Fantastic weather (sunny, clear, cobalt blue skies & not even a breeze). Had lunch below the summit and started down at 12:37PM. Back at Wolverton at 3:40PM.

The beauty of the Alta Peak trail was indeed something to be thankful for. It was a cool start at about 8:30 a.m. in the forest leaving Wolverton, but the day turned out warm and clear with outstanding views. Shorts and a short sleeve shirt were comfortable even at the summit as the wind was almost nonexistant. Best of all, I was back to the in laws place in Visalia by 3:00 p.m. in time to clean up and enjoy a tasty and replenishing Thanksgiving dinner in good company. I doubt I will be able to top this Thanksgiving Day, but I at least hope to equal it many times over.

Enjoyable hike from wolverton, didn't see anyone from Panther gap up and had the summit to myself for almost an hour. Fantastic views- makes me want to explore the great western divide more. I could also see many of the crest peaks- Whitney, the palisades, Darwin, Goddard, Banner and Ritter and many others. About a 7hr round trip.

We did the hike from Wolverine parking lot in about 7 hours for the whole round trip. There was a ceiling during the way up, but when we reached the summit the clouds just started to give way.... Amazing view

Wondrous views via the Panther Gap and from top of Alta Peak. A real butt-kicker the final 2 miles (2,000 ft) to reach the summit but well worth it. Took a nice side trip to serene Alta Meadows on the way down (junction right before you start final ascent). Numerous marmots afoot in this meadow! Definitely a highlight as no one else was in the meadow and and a light afternoon shower was blowing across the divide.

Good climb both times, albeit a little longish for us beginners. Climbing in a single long day from the parking lot, camped at the designated 10,000m spot and returned the next morning. Pushing time a little, with sunset on the decent and a little trouble finding our tent with our Wal-Mart flashlights. Packed up Subway footlong subs instead of bothering with gas and a stove which turned out to be a GREAT idea... Mmm... mayonaise salami and cheese...

This was quite a strenuous day. Snow was soft -- especially in the afternoon. Used snowshoes and broke trail most of the way. Brought and used crampons a couple of times but should have just stayed with the snowshoes all the way. There were no signs that anyone had gone beyond Panther Gap. Terrain past Panther Gap and before Mehrten Mdw was difficult due to steepness and very soft/deep snow. With all the snow the view from the summit was awesome.

Excellent snow cover down to 8000', patchy below that. We camped at 9300' under the South Face of Tharps Rock, bagged the summit in the morning via the standard trail, then glissaded down the gully from Tharps back to our camp. Recommend crampons for the summit blocks, very icy. Snowshoes or skis required for the approach.